AUDITIONS 2008
CASTING HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR OUR 2008 SUMMER SEASON. MANY THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO AUDITIONED FOR US! And please remember, casting is all about talent, of course, but many other VERY important factors come in to play - mixing and matching types, heights, sizes, out-of-town vs. local with regard to housing availability, etc. WE'LL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT YEAR!
LOCAL AUDITIONS
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2008
Time: 12 NOON TO 6 PM
Location: Mt. Gretna Fire Hall (Directions at bottom of this page)
All roles open. Seeking Singers who move or dance well and are excellent actors. There are many roles available for adults and children this season. Please come prepared with a photo and resume, and your best 16 to 32 bars of an uptempo and a ballad - no pop, rock or "American Idol" sound - this season's music is traditional American musical theatre. We may or may not ask you to perform both songs and we may cut you off before you are finished - this just means that we've heard what we need to hear! You may be asked to read at this audition - we will provide sides and time to prepare. Accompanist provided. Official sign up list will be posted at 11:30am. Please see cast descriptions below. Local final call backs will be held on March 29, 2008.
Auditors:
Larry Frenock, Producing Director
Christian Saint-Girard, Casting Director
Renee Krizan, Associate Artistic Director
If you are unable to attend this audition date, please email your photo and resume immediately to larryfrenock@gretnatheatre.com noting what roles/shows you are interested in.
STRAW HAT AUDITIONS IN NYC
We will be attending the StrawHat Auditions in New York City that take place on March 20, 21 & 22. Go to the StrawHats website for more information: http://www.strawhat-auditions.com/ Auditors: Larry Frenock, Producing Director and Christian Saint-Girard, Casting Director. Directors and Musical Director as available.
OPEN NON-UNION AUDITIONS IN NYC:
Date: Monday, March 17, 2008
Time: 10am to 6pm. Official sign up list will be posted at 9am - waiting room is only available beginning at that time.
Place: Nola Rehearsal Studios, 250 W 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 (Please do not call the studio - they do not have Gretna Theatre audition information!)
Auditors: Larry Frenock, Producing Director and Christian Saint-Girard, Casting Director. Directors and Musical Director as available.
Seeking: Singers who dance and/or move well for principal parts and ensemble, all roles open (see cast descriptions below). Note: We will NOT see children in New York - all children's roles will be cast locally! Please prepare a ballad and an uptempo that shows your voice off to best advantage, your best 32 bars first. Legit only - no pop, rock, "American Idol" sound. We may or may not wish to hear an entire song, please know that we've heard what we need to hear if we cut you off before you are done. (If you are auditioning at the StrawHats, you do not need to attend this call - we will be at the StrawHats all three days!) Call backs will be held on Wednesday, March 19. All roles are paid, paid internships are available. Housing and round trip transportation provided to out of town actors.
EQUITY ACTORS: LOCAL EQUITY ACTORS are encouraged to come to the local auditions!! Actors based in New York or other areas, please email your photo and resume - we will conduct Equity auditions by appointment only in New York City on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Call backs will be on March 19, 2008.
INFORMATIVE NOTES:
ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE for the three shows listed below! We endeavor to cast actors for the season, some jobbing in may need to be accommodated. THE MAN IN BLACK and THE THREE PHANTOMS are already cast. Gretna Theatre is specifically seeking terrific local talent for many roles this season.
ALSO SEEKING INTERNS / TECHNICIANS / CREW so if you are an actor AND are capable at technical theatre, let us know!! If you are solely a theatre technician, please email your resume immediately to larryfrenock@gretnatheatre.com
EQUITY GUEST ARTIST AGREEMENT - as granted by AEA, we typically hire up to two Actors’ Equity Association performers per production. AEA Actors who wish to attend the local auditions are more than welcome to do so (see above). You may also email your picture and resume immediately to larryfrenock@gretnatheatre.com for consideration - please note which roles you wish to be considered for.
REHEARSALS are during the day, usually 10AM to 6PM, Tuesdays through Sundays. PERFORMANCES this season are Thursdays through Sundays - Thursdays at 2PM & 8PM, Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM. Monday is the typical cast day off, though interns may be called that day as well for tech/crew responsibilities. Note: Our schedule has changed this season due to a new space-sharing arrangement between the companies who rent the Mt. Gretna Playhouse – we will be presenting Gretna Theatre productions only during the months of June and July in 2008.
Shows Casting and Roles:
SHENANDOAH
Musical (based on the film “Shenandoah” starring James Stewart)
Written by Peter Udell, Philip Rose, James Lee Barrett
Music by Gary Geld
Lyrics by Peter Udell
DATES: Rehearsals begin June 3, Opens June 19, plays 5 shows per week Thursday thru Sunday, Closes June 29.
Synopsis:
Shenandoah centers on a pacifist widower, Charlie Anderson, living with his large family in the Shenandoah Valley during the American Civil War. While trying to shield his family from the war, he is forced to take action when his youngest son is taken prisoner by Federal soldiers.
Song list:
Raise the Flag of Dixie (The Company)
I’ve Heard it all Before (Charlie)
Why Am I Me (Gabriel and Robert)
Next to Lovin’ (I Like Fightin’) (The Anderson Sons & Jenny)
Over the Hill (Jenny)
The Pickers are Comin’ (Charlie)
Meditation (Charlie)
We Make a Beautiful Pair (Anne & Jenny)
Violets and Silverbells (Jenny, Sam & Andersons)
It’s a Boy (Charlie)
Freedom (Anne & Gabriel)
Violets and Silverbells (Reprise) (James & Anne)
Papa’s Gonna Make it Alright (Charlie)
The Only Home I Know (Corporal & Soldiers)
Meditation II (Charlie)
Pass the Cross to Me (the Company)
Cast Breakdown:
If you are unfamiliar with this show, the original cast album/CD is available on line and in stores and the film upon which it is based is very similar, as to plot and character, to the musical. (Fun fact: the song from the film, called “Shenandoah,” has nothing to do with and is NOT in the Broadway musical!)
Entire cast must have the ability to do a southern accent. Everyone must sing in solos or choral numbers, LEGIT VOICES ONLY – no pop, rock or “American Idol” sound, please! If you wish to sing from the show, you are welcome to do so.
Charlie Anderson – Leading Role - A Virginia farmer and pacifist. Widower and father of six sons and a daughter, must have terrific presence. Age 45-55; Voice - Baritone – must have a large voice and sing very well. Will be Equity Guest Artist, could be ‘name’ performer.
Jacob Anderson – Charlie’s eldest son. Age 25 - 30. Bari-Tenor voice. Must sing and move well, any vocal type, dance training and athletic abilities a plus.
James Anderson – Charlie’s son and Anne’s husband. Age 22 - 28. Bari-Tenor voice. Must sing and move well, any vocal type, dance training and athletic abilities a plus.
Jenny Anderson – Charlie’s daughter. Age 18 - 20. Voice – Alto with a “country” sound. A tomboyish quality, but blossoming into womanhood.
Henry Anderson – Charlie’s son. Age 18 -22. Bari-Tenor voice. Must sing and move well, dance training and athletic abilities a plus.
John Anderson – Charlie’s son. Age 18 -22. Tenor. Must sing and move well, dance training and athletic abilities a plus.
Nathan Anderson – Charlie’s son. Age 16 – 20. Tenor. Must sing and move well, dance training and athletic abilities a plus.
Robert Anderson, “Boy” – Charlie’s youngest son. Age – must convincingly play age 10 - 12, must be relatively small of stature. Sings “Why Am I Me” with Gabriel. Voice – Boy Soprano / Belt. Excellent acting skills required. This is a major role.
Anne – James’ pregnant wife. Charlie’s daughter-in-law. Age 21-28. Voice – Mezzo/Belt with a “country” sound. Sings “Freedom” & “Violets and Silverbells.”
Gabriel – A young black slave boy, Robert’s best friend. Age – must convincingly play age 10 - 12, must be relatively small in stature. Sings “Why Am I Me” with Robert and “Freedom” with Anne. Voice – Boy Soprano / Belt. This is a major role, excellent acting skills required and must move well.
Sam – Jenny’s suitor, a young Confederate officer. Age 20 – 25. Voice – Lyric Baritone. There are comic aspects to this role, good actor required.
Corporal – Lyric Tenor, an “Irish Tenor” sound is ideal. Age 18 – 25. Beautiful tenor voice, sings “The Only Home I Know” and will double in some other roles as well.
Reverend Byrd – Character man, Age 50+. Southern Baptist minister type. Any vocal type. This is a principal role that MAY double with Tinkham (see below)
Tinkham – Character man, ex-convict, southern horse trader. Age 50+. MAY double with Reverend Byrd (see above).
Sergeant Johnson – Confederate soldier, Age 35 – 45. Excellent actor, any vocal type. This role MAY double with one or two smaller roles.
Lieutenant – Confederate soldier, Age 25 – 45. Excellent actor, any vocal type. This role MAY double with one or two smaller roles.
Mr. Carol – Federal purchasing agent, Age 35 – 55. Excellent actor, any vocal type. This role MAY double with one or two smaller roles.
Marauder – Disreputable looking, leader of a band of scavengers. Capable of murder. Age 35 – 45, any vocal type. This role MAY double with one or two smaller roles.
Engineer – Trainman on a federal prisoner of war train. Age 35 – 55. Any vocal type. This role MAY double with one or two smaller roles.
Confederate Sniper – young soldier, Age 18 – 25. Tenor. Excellent actor, any vocal type. Will also double in several smaller roles.
Ensemble: Additional two men and two to four women to play soldiers, townspeople. All must sing well. Adults, all ages.
Notes: All the brothers need to dance relatively well - there is a lot of choreographed staging in this production. Be prepared with a classic Broadway show tune that highlights your vocal and acting range (no pop or rock for this show!). Be prepared to dance/move if asked (wear shoes and clothing that will allow for this).
EQUITY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Charlie Anderson – Leading Role - A Virginia farmer and pacifist. Widower and father of six sons and a daughter, must have terrific presence, warmth and excellent acting skills. Age 45-55. Vocal type – big legit Baritone. Southern accent a must. (This role was originally played on Broadway by John Cullum.) Please email photo and resume immediately to larryfrenock@gretnatheatre.com .
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ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
Conceived and adapted by Ernest Zulia, Music and Lyrics by David Caldwell. Based on books by Robert Fulghum.
DATES: Rehearsals begin June 17, Opens July 3, plays Thursdays through Sundays, Closes July 13. There will be no show on Friday, the 4th of July.
About the script: The stage adaptation is primarily a storytelling piece with music which is intended to be performed with simplicity, honesty and humor. It is comprised of stories from Robert Fulghum’s first five bestselling books. These entertaining stories are primarily about ordinary people. The comic style delivers an insightful and heartfelt perspective on everyday life, and the profound echoes that reverberate through it. It is NOT theatre for children!
Song list:
The Kindergarten Song (the Company)
Charles Boyer (Ed)
The Stuff in the Sink (the Company)
Reflect the Light (Branislav, or could be done by female, and Company)
Uh-Oh (the Company)
Yes! (Jill and Company)
A Tomb with a View (Ed)
Reflect the Light (Reprise) (Jill and Company)
Cast Breakdown:
The five actors must have strong comedic and dramatic skills, as well as a natural storytelling ability. They present the stories as if they were occurrences out of their own lives and all should be comfortable communicating directly with the audience. All must be excellent actors and singers. Their own personalities MUST come through in their performances.
Everyone must sing in solos or ensemble numbers, musical theatre voices only – no pop, rock or “American Idol” sound, please!
Fred – Late 50’s to late 60’s. Excellent character actor with tenor/character voice. Has major monologues and solos within several songs.
Ed – Late 40’s to early 50’s. Bari-tenor. Excellent actor.
Branislav – Mid 30’s to 40’s. Lyric Baritone, 2nd Tenor. Leading man / young father type. Excellent actor and powerful voice.
Jill – Mid 30’s to early 40’s. Soprano/Belt mix. Leading woman / young mother type. Excellent actress, strong musical theatre voice.
Kathleen – Late 50’s to late 60’s. Alto/Second Soprano. Excellent character actress.
Narrator – As written, this is a live, offstage voiceover role, however director may decide to place this character on stage. Any age, male. Must have flexible and strong vocal presence.
EQUITY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Fred – Late 50’s to late 60’s. Excellent character actor with tenor/character voice. Has major monologues and solos within several songs, must have lots of presence, warmth and personal magnetism. (A singing Hal Holbrook type.)
Kathleen – Late 50’s to late 60’s. Alto/Second Soprano. Excellent character actress. Must have lots of presence, warmth and personal magnetism. (A singing, slightly younger Marion Ross type.)
Please email photo and resume immediately to larryfrenock@gretnatheatre.com .
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THE KING AND I
Music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II based on the book "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret Landon
DATES: Rehearsals begin July 1, Opens July 17, plays 5 shows per week Thursdays thru Sundays, Closes July 27.
The Story: East meets West in one of the most glorious, richly textured musicals ever written. Music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein III and based on “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon. One of the biggest shows ever produced at Gretna!
It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, with her young son, arrives at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and eventually respect one another in a truly unique story.
A dazzling score highlighted by “Getting to Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” “I Have Dreamed” and “Shall We Dance?” capped off by the delightful “Small House of Uncle Thomas” ballet! The winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical and Score in 1952, six Academy Awards for the film in 1956, and four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival in 1996, this is a production that will live forever!
Musical Numbers:
Act I
Act II
THE CAST:
Many roles available for both adults and children!!
Please note – the film version of this musical is very faithful to the stage play and much can be gleaned about the characters and the requirements of each role from the film.
All those cast in Asian roles must be willing to temporarily dye hair and/or wear wigs as required and use body makeup as required by the producer. Everyone must sing in solos or choral numbers, LEGIT VOICES ONLY – no pop, rock or “American Idol” sound, please! If you wish to sing from the show, you are welcome to do so.
Principal Adult Roles:
Anna Leonowens - A young widow, 30 – 40, in whose heart the pain of bereavement is still very strong. She is compassionate but business-like, and - almost - completely undaunted by the regal magnificence of her employer. She is presented in word, deed and song as an entirely sympathetic person. Soprano with strong chest mix. Starring role. Leading woman, excellent actress, convincing British accent a must. Will most likely be Equity Guest Artist.
The King - Starring role, excellent character actor, 35 – 45. Songs are “spoken-sung.” Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. Tremendous presence, convincing accent, excellent physical condition - costuming will most likely be bare-chested, bare legged at times. It is NOT necessary to be bald for this role. He deserves our admiration for his efforts in trying to come to terms with Western ideas and ways of life, but the conflict between Eastern and Western values, combined with his inbred sense of being a Supreme Ruler, ultimately destroys him.
The Kralahome - The Prime Minister, 40 – 60. A hard and bigoted official who obviously cannot understand why his master is flirting with Western ideas. Sings in ensemble numbers. Excellent actor, any vocal type. Must do convincing Asian accent.
Lady Thiang – 35 – 45. Very Legit Mezzo. Mother of the Crown Prince and first wife to King. Excellent character actress able to convincingly portray Asian ethnicity. Wise, composed and understanding, she can see clearly both sides of the King's nature and thus of her country's standing in the world.
Tuptim (female) – 18 – 22. Legit soprano. Attractive ingénue type, any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. She is a concubine to the King, desperate to escape her circumstances and is in love with a young monk, Lun Tha. Must be excellent singer/actress.
Lun Tha (male) – 18 – 25. Legit Lyric Bariton/2nd Tenor. Attractive, young monk, any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. He is secretly in love with Tuptim. Must be excellent singer/actor.
Sir Edward Ramsay – 30 – 45. Must do convincing British accent. Any vocal type. Attractive and distinguished looking British diplomat visiting Siam. This role will probably double with Captain Orton.
Captain Orton – 30+. Must do convincing British accent. Pipe smoking, middle aged sea captain. Warm and concerned about Anna’s safety in this strange land.
Adult Ensemble:
The Interpreter – Male – Any age - Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. Interprets for the Kralahome. Any vocal type, will sing in ensemble numbers. May also be a dancer in ballet sequence.
Phra Alack – Male – Any age - Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. Court servant to the Crown Prince. Any vocal type, will sing in ensemble numbers. May also be a dancer in ballet sequence.
Additional three to five adult males to portray members of the Siamese Court, English Gentlemen, dancers, priests, monks, etc. All vocal types, all must sing in ensemble numbers.
Additional ten adult females to portray King’s wives, members of the Siamese Court, English ladies and royal dancers. All vocal types, all must sing in ensemble numbers.
Children’s roles:
NOTE: All those cast as Asians must be willing to dye hair black or wear wigs as required, wear body makeup as required by the producer. Parents, older siblings could be cast in chorus. Parents must volunteer at least one performance to help the children dress and make up backstage and be a ‘child wrangler’ during a performance.
Louis Leonowens – This is a major role. Her young son, must convincingly portray age 10 – 13. Keen to acclimatise to the strange lifestyle at an Eastern Court and fiercely fond of his mother. Boy soprano, sings duets with Anna and Crown Prince. Excellent actor, convincing British accent a must.
Prince Chulalongkorn – This is a major role. Must convincingly portray age 12 – 15. Young Tenor/Boy Soprano. Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. Excellent young actor. The heir to the throne, whose mixture of filial piety and awareness of the need to change are partly a result of Anna's teaching and partly inherited from both his parents. He becomes King at the end of this show.
The Princes and Princesses: Children, to portay ages 5 - 12, all progeny of the King and his many wives. All sing in ensemble numbers and some have small speaking parts so must be able to memorize lines. These parts are the following:
Princess Ying Yaowlak – female – 5 – 8 years old. This is a small speaking role, must be able to memorize lines. Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian.
1st Child, girl, small enough to be carried easily by adult.
2nd Child, boy, small enough to be carried easily by adult.
3rd & 4th Children - Twins – may be boy and girl or same sex – do not have to be identical.
5th Child – Boy with dirty hands.
6th Child – Girl who looks under Anna’s skirt.
7th Child – Girl who give rose to Anna
8th Child – Boy who bows to King
9th Child – Boy eating sweets
10th Child – Boy with cat
11th Child – smallest boy or girl – carried on by slave.
EQUITY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
Anna Leonowens - A young widow, 30 – 40, compassionate but business-like, Her warmth and strength is self-evident. Soprano with strong chest mix. Starring role, excellent actress, convincing British accent a must. Could be a “name” actress.
The King - Starring role, excellent character actor, 35 – 45. Songs are “spoken-sung.” Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly portray Asian. Commanding presence combined with vulnerability, convincing accent, excellent physical condition - costuming will most likely be bare-chested, bare legged at times. It is NOT necessary to be bald for this role. Could be a “name” actor.
Please email photo and resume immediately to larryfrenock@gretnatheatre.com .
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CHILDREN'S THEATRE COMPANY
We will produce five Saturday morning 11:00 AM Children's Theatre shows in 2008. These will all be 50-minute productions, most with music. Interns and young actors in the company will be given the opportunity to perform leading roles in these productions as well. Dates: June 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26. Rehearsals are in the mornings, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
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DIRECTIONS TO THE MT. GRETNA FIRE HALL
The address is "Boulevard, Mt. Gretna, PA 17064"
From Lebanon: Rt. 72 South. Take the Rt. 117 / Mt. Gretna Exit. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Continue for almost two miles through the forest. Once you begin to see houses watch for "The Hideaway" restaurant sign on your left - turn left onto the street named "Boulevard" (the white and black street sign is on your left as well). Go to the parking area just beyond the first white building on your right - this is the fire hall. Enter the building only from the double doors nearest that parking area and with the concrete entry ramp (watch for our Gretna Theatre signs on the doors).
From Philadelphia, Harrisburg - Take I-76 / PA Turnpike from either direction to Exit 266 Lebanon / Lancaster, turn left onto Rt. 72 after the toll plaza. After approximately two miles, take the Rt. 117 / Mt. Gretna Exit. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Continue for almost two miles through the forest. Once you begin to see houses watch for "The Hideaway" restaurant sign on your left - turn left onto the street named "Boulevard" (the white and black street sign is on your left as well). Go to the parking area just beyond the first white building on your right - this is the fire hall. Enter the building only from the double doors nearest that parking area and with the concrete entry ramp (watch for our Gretna Theatre signs on the doors).
From Hershey - Rt. 322 East or Rt. 422 East to Rt. 72 South, Take the Rt. 117 / Mt. Gretna Exit and follow directions as above.
From Lancaster, take Rt. 72 North. Take the Rt. 117 / Mt. Gretna Exit and follow directions as above.
We look forward to seeing you at our 2008 Season Auditions!